The Dartmouth area is comprised of 26 lakes with associated tributaries covering approximately 130km2 (see Area Map). Dartmouth is known as the "City of Lakes". As such, the City is characterized by the lakes in terms of the ecological, recreational and economic services they provide.

With the current population of approximately 70,000 people, the watersheds within the Dartmouth area have many stresses due to the high density of residences located near surface water sources, recreational activities, and various land use planning and development activities.